Linguistics is the scientific study of language. Students of linguistics do not necessarily seek fluency in a second or third language. Instead, they study the components that make up any given language - the syntax, the grammar, the regional differences, the slang, the pronunciations, the symbols, the changes over time, how people learn a language, and more.
At UWM, Linguistics students can opt for a broad linguistics minor which will touch on all aspects of language development and learning. Or, students can choose an applied linguistics minor which will focus more on using the principles of linguistics in a business setting such as in the classroom to help students learn a second language, in a social service agency that deals with illiteracy, or at a software company working on search engine optimization terms.
Many students find that acquiring advanced fluency in a second or third language beyond their native tongue is helpful for understanding the commonalities and differences between languages. However, no additional foreign language is required beyond the standard requirement for Letters & Science majors: four years in high school of the same language or four semesters in college of the same language.
Requirements
Students must complete at least 9 upper-division (numbered 300 and above) credits in the minor in residence at UWM. The College requires that students attain at least a 2.0 GPA on all credits in the minor attempted at UWM. In addition, students must attain a 2.0 GPA on all minor credits attempted, including transfer work.
General Linguistics Minor Option
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Requirements | ||
| LINGUIS 350 | Introduction to Linguistics | 3 |
| LINGUIS 430 | Language and Society | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| First Language Acquisition | ||
| Introduction to Phonology | ||
| Introduction to Syntax | ||
| Language in its Various Forms: | ||
| Electives | ||
| Select 9 credits 1 | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
- 1
Coursework in linguistics and related areas selected in consultation with an advisor in the Linguistics program. Students are encouraged to focus their electives in an area closely aligned with the study of linguistics, including various foreign languages, English, anthropology, philosophy, computer science, and education, among others.
Applied Linguistics Minor Option
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Requirements | ||
| LINGUIS 350 | Introduction to Linguistics | 3 |
| LINGUIS 420 | Introduction to Second Language Acquisition | 3 |
| LINGUIS 430 | Language and Society | 3 |
| ANTHRO/LINGUIS 570 | Issues in Bilingualism | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| First Language Acquisition | ||
| Introduction to TESOL Methods | ||
| Introduction to Phonology | ||
| Introduction to Syntax | ||
| Language in its Various Forms: | ||
| Electives | ||
| Select 3 credits 1 | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
- 1
Coursework in linguistics and related areas selected in consultation with an advisor in the Linguistics program. Students are encouraged to focus their electives in an area closely aligned with the study of linguistics, including various foreign languages, English, anthropology, philosophy, computer science, and education, among others.
Letters & Science Minor Advising
Advising for the minor takes place within the department by a faculty member or staff member. Follow the steps using the "Declare a Minor" button on the department’s website which may include instructions on how to select a faculty advisor if there is more than one to choose from.
Students who already have an L&S college advisor because their degree plan is in L&S can discuss the minor with them as well since they will be familiar with any minor in L&S. Students who are working on a degree from a UWM college other than the College of Letters & Science will not need an L&S college advisor for just a minor and one will not be assigned. These students should work with the faculty or staff advisor they receive as part of the minor declaration process or contact the department directly for assistance.
Applicants who have not started classes at UWM yet who wish to declare a minor should wait until they are registered for their first UWM classes and then can declare the minor using the “Declare a Minor” button on the program’s website. If you have questions about the minor before then, contact let-sci@uwm.edu.